The Department of Social Care is to hold an open day aimed at promoting five separate First Time Buyer developments, which are due to be completed during 2013. The event is taking place between 12 noon and 8pm on Wednesday, 19 June 2013, at the Castletown Civic Centre, Farrant’s Way, Castletown. 
 
With first time buyer developments taking place at Castletown, Colby, Peel and Ramsey, the open day will offer the ideal opportunity for people to find out more about the properties that are being built, the range of buyback properties available for sale, some of which are in Douglas and make inquiries regarding the House Purchase Assistance Scheme, which offers financial assistance towards a range of properties up to a purchase price of ?150,000.
 
The Department is encouraging prospective First Time Buyers, to come along to the event to view plans of the properties as well as virtual photographs of the developments, and discuss their housing aspirations.
 
Staff from the Housing Customer Services Team will be on hand to answer any queries on eligibility for and allocation of properties, giving those who can attend an excellent opportunity to find out more about the House Purchase Assistance Scheme and how it may be able to help them.
 
The Minister for Social Care Hon Chris Robertshaw MHK said:
 
“In arranging this event, my Department recognises the importance of trying different ways to provide effective communication to prospective first time buyers. The open day represents a really worthwhile opportunity for people to meet face to face with members of the Housing Customer Services Team and find out detailed information about First Time Buyer housing which could, ultimately, have a big impact on their future. As such, I strongly urge people to make the most of this opportunity and attend the event.”
 
If anyone is interested in the House Purchase Assistance Scheme and have any queries, they should contact the Department of Social Care’s Customer Service Team on 685955 or visit our webpage at: www.gov.im/socialcare/housing/first.